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Dame Cleo Laine is to receive a lifetime achievement award from Jazz FM. As she was born in 1927, the jazz station might be accused of taking its time. But its annual award ceremony has only been going since 2013, and for the first four years they honoured male musicians. How does the most widely acclaimed jazz musician Britain has ever produced feel about being the first woman to earn the nod?

“Whoopee,” says Dame Cleo, not quite seeming to mean it. “It’s not something that you’re going to go ‘Oooo oooo!’ I don’t do that too much.” Those famous electric-green eyes ignite in mock excitement. “I’m very happy that they’ve honoured me. They can take you or leave you these days, there are so many...